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Unknown Rootkit

Hello and thanks for your attention. This is the first one I've encountered I haven't been able to clean myself, and I've been at this a while. After nearly a week of research and various attempts, I've had to admit that this one has stumped me.

I think it's a rootkit related to the FFSearch.dll click fraud scheme, but I can't be sure. I also can't yet provide either a HJ or MBAM log, as it terminates their processes and then hides the apps from windows. So, I'll give you what I have, and perhaps one of you can suggest a scanner that will provide a better look.

I have a WinXP Media Edition system. SP3, 2005 Media Edition Rollup (I think, the latest available.) Dual Core, 4GB Ram.I see browser hijacks in IE7 and Firefox, though more in IE7. Google searches are redirected when clicked on to either Info.com sites or Malwareremovalbot.com for any related searches. I've since installed Google's Chrome for browser searches.

Viewing the process list with Process Explorer, I see what appears to be a randomly named DLL called by a device at the global root.Library ?globalrootDevice__max++>7274DC02.x86.dll (*** hidden *** ) @ C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exeAs the attached logs will show, it's hooked all over.

I have renamed HJ and the MBAM installer trying to get a successful run, but they're also terminated. Scans with McAffee, Super Anti Spyware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Blacklight were also terminated. Additionally, I was unable to run the DDS scan (With McAffee's script blocking disabled). I can view scans with RootRepeal and Gmer, as long as I don't run a file scan.

Since I can't yet provide comprehensive scans, I've sort of compiled this from memory of my efforts over the past week. I've also attempted various scans from Hiren's Mini XP enviroment, and a BartPE boot as well as Safe Mode. As I can recall, safe mode loads the injected stream as well.

I look forward to any suggestions.Thank you.

Addendum:Out of impatience and stubbornness, I tried a few more scans. Though it hadn't removed all of the problem files on it's first scans, I noticed some that had been previously removed had been replaced, presumably from other copies. I ran it again and allowed it to reboot as soon as it detected and stopped the first stream. The next boot appears cleaner. I managed to get HT and DDS to run successfully. I'll try MBAM soon.

We apologize for the delay in responding to your request for help. Here at Bleeping Computer we get overwhelmed at times, and we are trying our best to keep up. Please note that your topic was not intentionally overlooked. Our mission is to help everyone in need, but sometimes it takes just a little longer to get to every request for help. No one is ignored here.

If you have since resolved the original problem you were having, we would appreciate you letting us know. If not please perform the following steps below so we can have a look at the current condition of your machine.

If you have not done so, include a clear description of the problems you're having, along with any steps you may have performed so far.

Upon completing the steps below another staff member will review and take the steps necessary with you to get your machine back in working order clean and free of malware.

If you have already posted a DDS log, please do so again, as your situation may have changed.Use the 'Add Reply' and add the new log to this thread.

Thanks and again sorry for the delay.

We need to see some information about what is happening in your machine. Please perform the following scan:

Download DDS by sUBs from one of the following links. Save it to your desktop.

A small box will open, with an explaination about the tool. No input is needed, the scan is running.

Notepad will open with the results.

Follow the instructions that pop up for posting the results.

Close the program window, and delete the program from your desktop.

Please note: You may have to disable any script protection running if the scan fails to run. After downloading the tool, disconnect from the internet and disable all antivirus protection. Run the scan, enable your A/V and reconnect to the internet.

I do not accept personal donations for assistance provided. I would ask that you instead consider donating the greatest gift - Organ Donation. Your organs are of no use to you when your gone. You will save a life that would otherwise be lost!